Politicians’ reaction to former Spy chief Faiz Hameed’s military custody, court-martial

Lahore: A range of political figures have responded to the news of former Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant General (Retd) Faiz Hameed, being taken into military custody and facing court-martial proceedings.

Senator Faisal Vawda:

Former Federal Minister and Independent Senator Faisal Vawda highlighted the army's message that accountability does not differentiate between individuals. He praised the current military leadership for their honesty and for reinforcing the notion that no one is above the law, including those once considered powerful.

Federal Minister Atta Tarar:

Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar urged that the matter of Faiz Hameed should not be linked to the government, pointing out that the military has its own internal inquiry system. He mentioned that irregularities related to the Top City scandal involving Faiz Hameed had been under investigation for several months, with disciplinary actions only being initiated after thorough examination.

MQM-P's Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui:

Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) Chairman and Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stated that the case involving Faiz Hameed was beyond his knowledge or control.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that Faiz Hameed had been taken into military custody, with the Pakistan Army initiating court-martial proceedings against him.

According to the military's media wing, the court-martial follows a detailed inquiry conducted in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, relating to complaints made against Hameed in the Top City Case. Disciplinary action has been initiated under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act.

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider expressed his approval of the decision, emphasizing that accountability should be a universal principle, applicable to all segments of society, including military officials, judges, politicians, and bureaucrats. He remarked that the country's progress hinges on the consistent application of accountability, applauding the military's initiative to hold its own ranks accountable.

PML-N leader Javed Latif:

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Javed Latif said that the events of May 9 were not the result of a single individual's actions but rather the outcome of a coordinated effort. He criticized the delay in taking action and suggested that earlier intervention would have been more effective.